So you wanna be a hacker?

Occasionally I meet people who thinks being a hacker is a romantic endeavor. And often, they are interested in learning how to become a hacker themselves.

My answer is usually that it takes a lot of hard work, great interest and patience. Since most people - at least the wannabe hackers - do not realize what hard work means, thinking they have a great interest, and just forgets about patience, they push on:

"Oh, tell me, how can I learn to hack?! Can you teach me? Please, please, pretty please!!!"

I guess you know what I mean.

Most of the time I just tell them to learn how to use the computer, and then get back to me. But some are more persistent than others. And that is when I tell them to set up a *ux box to play around with. And when they get back to me and want me to teach them *ux...

Of course, I cannot let them know that although I have been playing with *ux since 1994/1995, I hardly know my way around. In their eyes, I am still the GOD of computers, and who would want them to think otherways?

So, instead of embarrasing myself, I point them to some of my secret resources - like this one. It makes Linux for Dummies look like a book for doctorates. Almost. After all, I can only dream of them actually buying a book and study...

I don't know much, but I know that only by learning and practicing can you develop your skills. So, if you wanna be a hacker, start practicing!

hacking, linux